Topic: Seek first the kingdom of God

 

Bible Reading: Matthew 6:19-33

 

Introduction

 

 The kingdom of God is a supernatural kingdom that can neither be seen by natural eyes nor visible to physical eyes. It can be described as the one and only supreme kingdom of all spiritual kingdoms. The kingdom of God is located in heaven, so people usually refer to it as the kingdom of heaven. The kingdom of God is the most power kingdom in existence and it has dominion over all other kingdoms on the earth and the universe.

 

The statement of Jehoshaphat buttressed this fact when he said, O Lord God of our ancestors, You alone are the God who is in heaven. You are the ruler of all the kingdoms of the earth and You rule in heaven over all the nations of the world. You are powerful and mighty that no one can stand against You or defeat You. 2 Chronicles 20:5-6. For this reason, God is the one to fear because He is in control and rules His heavenly kingdom. God is so powerful that all living and non-living things must stand in awe of Him because He keeps His heavenly kingdom in peace. As it is written “Dominion and fear belong to Him; He makes peace in His high places” Job 25:2. Therefore, the nations of the world should imitate our God/Creator that though He is powerful and dreadful, He enforces peace in His heavenly kingdom.

 

The kingdom of God is an endless kingdom that continues forever from one generation to another according to the confirmation of the Book of Lamentations which says “You O Lord, remain forever; Your throne from generation to generation.” Lamentations 5:19. We can deduce from the passage that God will remain the same forever and His heavenly kingdom will remain forever. He will be King forever and He will rule to the end of time.

 

The kingdom of God is the final resting place of the people (the saints) who suffered or died because of the Word of God and those who bear/carried the Cross of Christ throughout their existence. It can also be described as the holiest place throughout the universe and the residence of God, and/together with His angels/hosts. The kingdom of God is where the saints will spend their eternity after their resurrection with great glory or after their glorious rapture.

 

It is inevitable for everyone to seek first the kingdom of God because of its limitless benefits and rewards. The Bible describe the kingdom of God as the place where the Redeemed will worship before the heavenly throne of God in the presence of their Creator and the Lamb (Jesus Christ) with angels in attendance.

 

Though the best thing that can happen to anyone is to enter the kingdom of God. However, it is not an easy task to inherit the heavenly kingdom because we have to suffer a lot before we can get into the kingdom of God. We need to be reminded that we will suffer hardships in order to enter the kingdom of God; so, we must not be wearied, but remain faithful throughout our ordeals. As it is written that “Strengthening the souls of the disciples, exhorting them to continue in the faith, and saying ‘We must through many tribulations enter the kingdom of God’” Acts 14:22. Therefore, be prepared to pass through troubles to be admitted into the priceless kingdom of God. Encourage people not to relent in their period of tribulation but for them to be determined and stay focus to inherit the kingdom of God; since “No one, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God” says the Lord. Luke 9:62. Tell people not to look back else, they may turn to pillars of salt like Lot’s wife. Advise people not to backslide so that they will be counted worthy in the kingdom of God.

 

It is your duty to inform people to seek first the kingdom of God and endure any hardship that comes with it because they will be rewarded in this world and the world to come according to the words of Jesus Christ our Lord. The scripture says “So He said to them ‘Assuredly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or parents or brothers or wife or children, for the sake of the kingdom of God, who shall not receive many times more in this present time, and in the age to come eternal life.’” Luke 18:29-30. Remember that for you to live forever in the kingdom of heaven; you must sacrifice or suffer something for the sake of the kingdom of God. If you are not ready to suffer or sacrifice some things, then you cannot inherit the kingdom of God.

 

The Bible stated that in the beginning, God created the heavens (which is the heavenly kingdom and the universe) and the earth (which is the present world) Genesis 1:1. The Book of Hebrews corroborated this fact by saying “You, Lord in the beginning laid the foundation of the earth, and the heavens are the work of Your hands. They will perish but You remain; and they will grow old like a garment.” Hebrews 1:10-11. Since we know that everything in this world and the universe will perish, isn’t it time for you to start seeking the imperishable kingdom of God? Since everything will wear like old clothing, don’t you think that you need the eternal life to live forever in the eternal kingdom of God?

 

It is time, inform the nations of the world about the glory of the kingdom of God and give examples of His power. Declare His mighty deeds/miracles and the glorious majesty of His kingdom. It is your duty to inform people that it is inevitable for them to seek first the kingdom of God. Do not fail to notify the nations that the kingdom of God is an everlasting kingdom and He rule throughout all generations. Let them know that God is gracious in all things and He will never fail to keep His promise to make them to inherit His glorious kingdom, if they do what is right and acceptable in His sight. Psalm 145:11-13.

 

Christ preached the kingdom of God

 

Jesus Christ our Lord preached the kingdom of God during His ministry on earth because it is an in-disposable part of Christianity faith. He started His Galilean Ministry after John was arrested and imprisoned. He came to Galilee preaching the Gospel of the kingdom of God because of its importancy. He said the right time has come and the kingdom of God is near, so people should turn away from their sins and believe the Good News. Mark 1:14-15. When are you going to announce to the world that the time promised by God has come, and the kingdom of God is at hand? What is delaying you from declaring to the nations of the world to repent of their sins and believe the Good News? You need to imitate Jesus Christ by preaching the kingdom of God from one location to another so that it will be widespread according to the scripture which says “But He said to them; I must preach the kingdom of God to the other cities also, because for this purpose I have been sent.’” Luke 4:43.

 

Do you realize that your purpose of coming into this world is to preach the Good News of the kingdom of God? What efforts are you making to see that the Good News is preached across the globe? Do you know that it is your duty to preach the kingdom of God throughout the cities in your surrounding? Do you know that you must not restrict your preaching to the cities but go to the villages too? Has it ever crossed your mind that you must preach the Good News of the kingdom of God without considering the inconveniences? As it is written “Now it came to pass, afterward, that He went through every city and village, preaching and bringing the glad tidings of the kingdom of God. And the twelve were with Him.” Luke 8:1. Do you realize that if you are a Christian or disciple of Christ, you need to begin a tour of your nearby towns and villages preaching and announcing the Good News about the kingdom of God? Do you know that if you are a child of God, you must not fail to spread the Good News? Do you realize that you must deliver the messages of the kingdom of God that you are sent to mankind without alteration? Today, Jesus Christ our Lord is sending you to go and preach the Good News of the kingdom of God just as He sent His twelve disciples. Luke 9:1-2. Do not entertain any fear or say how will I accomplish the mission because the Holy Spirit will perform wonders through you.

 

Do you know that preaching the kingdom of God is more important and acceptable to God? Jesus Christ clarify this issue when He asked a man to follow Him but the man replied by saying “Lord, let me first go and bury my father.” Jesus responded by saying “Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and peach the kingdom of God.” Luke 9:59-60. From this passage, isn’t it clear that it is your duty to preach about the kingdom of God? Do you realize now that preaching the Good News of the kingdom of God is essential and better than feasts or festival? For this reason, “If your eye causes you to sin, pluck it out. It is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye, rather than having two eyes, to be cast into hell fire.” Mark 9:47. From this passage, it is clear that you are better off staying away from anything that can hinder/obstruct your passage to the kingdom of God.

 

 

Characteristics of the kingdom of God

 

The characteristics of the kingdom of God are numerous but we will only discuss few of them that were written in the Bible.

 

The kingdom of God is from generation to generation: The kingdom of God will never end and it will last forever. The kingdom of God will be in existence through all ages and it will continue for all time. The confession of Nebuchadnezzar confirmed this fact by saying “And at the end of the time I, Nebuchadnezzar, lifted my eyes to heaven and my understanding returned to me; and I blessed the Most High and praised and honored Him who lives forever; For His dominion is an everlasting dominion, and His kingdom is from generation to generation” Daniel 4:34. So seek first the kingdom of God to live eternally.

 

The kingdom of God is indestructible: The kingdom of God cannot be destroyed and it will never be destroyed. No living thing can destroy the kingdom of God, and no weapon formed against it shall prosper. No weapon of this age or the age to come can destroy the kingdom of God as stated by Nebuchadnezzar “…. His kingdom is the one which shall not be destroyed, and His dominion shall endure to the end” Daniel 6:26. If you don’t want the darkness to ruin your life, seek first the kingdom of God.

 

The kingdom of God is made up of power: The kingdom of God is not a matter of words, but it is the demonstration of the power of God. Which means the kingdom of God depends not on talk but on power. As it is written “For the kingdom of God is not in word but in power” 1 Corinthians 4:20. For revelation of the power of God, you need to seek first the kingdom of God.

 

The kingdom of God is about justice: The kingdom of God is about equity and fairness. It is written that righteousness and justice are the foundation of the throne of God Psalm 89:14. So the kingdom of God supports, encourages and enforces justices according to the scripture which says “Your throne, O God, is forever and ever; a scepter of righteousness is the scepter of Your kingdom” Psalm 45:6, Hebrews 1:8. You must be just to enter the kingdom of God.

 

The kingdom of God is not about food and drink: The kingdom of God is not a matter of what we eat or drink, but of living a life of goodness and pleasing God, together with living in peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit. It is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy which the Holy Spirit gives Romans 14:17.

 

Earthly body cannot inherit the kingdom of God: The Bible says “…. we shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed.” 1 Corinthians 15:51. Which means, not all of us will die but we will all be transformed, and we will be given angelic body to enter the kingdom of God because “…. Flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; nor does corruption inherit incorruption” 1 Corinthians 15:50. Will you be among those that will be transformed to enter the kingdom of God.?

 

The kingdom of God is everlasting: Nebuchadnezzar acknowledged that the kingdom of God is everlasting by saying “How great are His signs, and how mighty His wonders! His kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and His dominion is from generation to generation” Daniel 4:3. You must make effort to seek first the kingdom of God so that you will live forever.

 

The Mission of Jesus Christ on earth

 

The Bible says that God loved the people of this world so much that He gave His only Son, so that everyone who has faith in Him will have eternal life and inherit the kingdom of heaven, instead of being utterly destroyed. God demonstrated His divine love for mankind by giving us His only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish and rot in hell, but have everlasting life and live eternally in the kingdom of God John 3:16. Do not forget that God did not send His Son into the world to condemn its inhabitants but to save and grant them access to the kingdom of heaven. Jesus Christ was not sent into this world to be its judge but to be its Savior by giving them access to the kingdom of God John 3:17. It is for this reason that John the forerunner of Jesus Christ preached the kingdom of God by saying “Repent for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” John warned people to “Turn away from sins” because the kingdom of heaven is near Matthew 3:1-2. Pay attention to the preaching of John and “Turn back to God” because the kingdom of heaven will soon be here.

 

Inheritance of the kingdom of heaven through repentance and grace, is the primary mission of Jesus Christ on earth. He preached about it by saying “Repent for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” After the imprisonment of John, Jesus began to preach His message saying “Turn away from your sins and turn back to God, for the kingdom of heaven is near” Matthew 4:17. The necessity of the kingdom of God made Jesus Christ to send His disciples to preach the kingdom of heaven. He instructed them to preach that “The kingdom of heaven is at hand” Matthew 10:7. Are you preaching the kingdom of heaven according to the directive of Christ? When is the last time that you preach the kingdom of heaven?

 

Reasons for seeking first the kingdom of God

 

There are several reasons stated in the Bible why we must seek first the kingdom of God, but we will only discuss some of them due to time constraint.

 

The earth will grow old and perish: You need to seek the kingdom of God because this world will pass away. Whatever that has beginning must have an end. This world started with God and it will end with God. Only God has no beginning and end. It is for this reason that He is called Alpha and Omega Revelation 1:8, 22:13. However, this world and heaven shall perish and disappear. They will grow old like a garment and wear out like old clothing, but God and His heavenly kingdom will remain forever, according to the scripture which says “And: ‘You, Lord, in the beginning laid the foundation of the earth, and the heavens are the work of Your hands. They will perish but You remain; and they will grow old like a garment; like a cloak You will fold them up, and they will be changed. But You are the same, Your years will not fail’” Hebrews 1:10-12, Psalm 102:25-27. Since you know that this world will vanish, isn’t it time for you to seek the kingdom of God to live eternally?

 

Do not be deceived, the heavens will disappear like smoke and the earth will wear out like clothes. Everyone on earth will die like flies, as it is written “Lift up your eyes to the heavens, and look on the earth beneath; For the heavens will vanish away like smoke, the earth will grow old like a garment, and those who dwell in it will die in like manner; but My salvation will be forever, and My righteousness will not be abolished” Isaiah 51:6. If you don’t want to perish with the world but want to live forever, it is time to seek the kingdom of God. If you don’t want to spend your eternity in hell, seek the kingdom of God now before the grace period passes away.

 

We are sojourners on earth: This world is like a market place, no matter how long we live in this world, we will return home one day. What home are you returning to? Is it hell or the kingdom of heaven? We must realize that we are aliens in this world and temporary residents on earth like our ancestors. The Bible says “Hear my prayer, O Lord and give ear to my cry; do not be silent at my tears; for I am a stranger with You, a sojourner, as all my fathers were” Psalm 39:12. If you acknowledge that you are a sojourner in this world, then seek first, and make the kingdom of God your heavenly home. Heed the warning of Peter which says, we must abstain from the sensual urges, the evil desires, the passions of the flesh, the worldly desires and our lower nature that wage war against the soul. The scripture says “Beloved, I beg you as sojourners and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul” 1 Peter 2:11. It is time to refrain from whatever that can hinder your admittance into the kingdom of God.

 

We are citizens of heaven: We must seek first the kingdom of God before we can become citizens of heaven. Are you ready to seek the kingdom of God so that you will be granted citizenship? Are you ready to suffer loss of everything to gain the kingdom of God? Are you ready to give up the vanity of this world and count it as garbage in order to enter the kingdom of God? If your answer to the aforementioned questions is yes, then you are no longer foreigner or stranger, but you are a citizen together with God’s people and a member of the family of God. As it is written “Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God” Ephesians 2:19. For this reason, we must make every effort to enter the kingdom of God, because we are citizens of heaven and we eagerly wait for our Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ to come from heaven to take us home. The Bible testified to this fact by saying “For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ” Philippians 3:20. If Christ returns today to take the beloved home, will you be among those that will accompany Him to heaven? Will your deeds allow you to enter the glorious kingdom of God?

 

Hell, and heaven are real: Hell is where the disobedient people will spend their eternity. Everyone who fail to seek the kingdom of God and the evil doers will resurrect to be condemned and banished to hell according to the Bible passages which says “… For the hours is coming in which all who are in the graves will hear His voice and come forth —those who have done good, to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of condemnation” John 5:28-29. We can deduce from the passages that good people will receive eternal life and live forever in the kingdom of God while the evil doers will receive condemnation to eternal punishment in hell (damnation). The evil doers will be thrown into the fiery lake of burning sulfur, together with the devil and his agents who deceived them. They will be punished day and night forever. As it is written “The devil who deceive them, was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone where the beast and the false prophet are. And they will be tormented day and night forever and ever” Revelation 20:10. The choice is yours, where do you want to spend your eternity? Is it hell or the kingdom of God? We pray that you will make the right choice by seeking first the kingdom of God.

 

Since there is no place you can hide from God so that you will not be punished for your sins, then it is inevitable that you do what is good, which will make you to enter the kingdom of God. As it is written “Though they dig into hell, from there My hand shall take them; though they climb up to heaven, from there I will bring them down” Amos 9:2. There is no escape from damnation or the judgment of God; it is in your own interest to do acceptable things which will make you to inherit the kingdom of God. Inasmuch as death and destruction are never satisfied, so human desire is never satisfied. Considering the fact that Hell and Abaddon are never full, because there is always room to accommodate more people, then those who are walking that path will never be satisfied Proverbs 27:20. Eradicate today, all the desires that can lead you to hell or destruction.

 

Remember that the wicked will not enter the kingdom of God but they will have their portion in hell together with the nations that forget God. Hell is the destiny of all the wicked and those who reject God. Hell is the fate of all the nations that ignore God according to the scripture which says “The wicked shall be turned to hell, and all the nations that forget God” Psalm 9:17. Therefore, you must neither neglect the work of God nor ignore the kingdom of God if you don’t want to be sent to hell. It is for this reason that Jesus Christ responded to the scribes and the Pharisees who ignored the kingdom of God by saying “Serpents, brood of vipers! How can you escape the condemnation of hell?” Matthew 23:33. You hypocrites, how can you escape going to hell? You the disobedient, will you not be condemned to hell? You who neglect the work of God and ignore the instructions of God, how will you escape being sentenced to hell? Today is the day, repent and seek the kingdom of God before it is too late.

 

We need to realize that, if God did not have pity on the angels that sinned, but He had them tied up and thrown into the dark pits of hell until the time of judgment, then He will not pity anyone who ignore His heavenly kingdom. If God did not spare the heavenly beings who sinned, but threw them into hell, where they are kept chained in darkness, waiting for the Day of judgment; then He will neither spare the people who neglect His work nor show favoritism to the people who disobey His instructions as it is written “For if God did not spare the angels who sinned, but cast them down to hell and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved for judgment” 2 Peter 2:4. Do not deceive yourself that God may forgive your sins and let you go free without punishment or going to hell because repentance grace has pass before that period. Make sure that you are neither blindfolded nor encouraged by the Devil that God will let you off the hook, if you rebel against His commands. We want you to know that God will not hold back from punishing and sending you to hell, unless you seek His heavenly kingdom. For this reason, be wise, follow the spiritual path which leads upward to eternal life and away from hell. It is your duty to discern and walk on the spiritual road that leads to life and not to the road that leads downward to hell according to the scripture which says “The way of life winds upward for the wise that he may turn away from hell below” Proverbs 15:24. You have been warned, follow the path of eternal life and leave hell behind.

 

Never allow the fear of anything in this world to make you to miss the kingdom of God. Make sure that your lack of material things of this world will not make you to spend your eternity in hell. You must never displease God Your Creator to please people. Remember that fear is one of the weapons of Satan. So, do not fear human, but respect them. God alone must be feared as previously discussed because “Dominion and fear belong to Him….” Job 25:2. Hence, do not be afraid of those who want to kill your body, as long as you are doing the commandments of the Lord, because they cannot touch your soul. But fear only God, who can destroy both soul and body in hell. The Bible says “And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell” Matthew 10:28, Luke 12:5. Fear God and keep all His statutes, so that you will spend your eternity in kingdom of heaven and not in hell.

 

The teachings of Jesus Christ

 

Jesus Christ our Lord taught many people the secrets and various things about the kingdom of God. We shall examine some of the prominent issues about the kingdom of heaven that the Lord taught during His lifetime.

 

You must confess that Jesus is the Lord: It is your duty as a Christian to acknowledge that Jesus Christ is the Lord. As a believer you must openly proclaim that Jesus Christ is the Lord as it is written “And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” Philippians 2:11. We must never fail to admit that Jesus Christ is the Lord because, if we declare that Jesus is the Son of God, we live in union with God, and God lives in union with us. Whenever we declare that Jesus is the Son of God, we have God living in us and we also live in God according to the scripture which says “Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him and he in God” 1 John 4:15. So you will be saved, if you honestly say “Jesus is Lord,” and if you believe with all your heart that God raised Him from death according to the Bible passage which says “That if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved” Romans 10:9. Therefore, the only way to be saved and enter the kingdom of God is to confess that Jesus is the Lord and believe that He was raised from the dead. Confession with your mouth alone will not make you to inherit the kingdom of heaven unless you believe that He resurrected and keep His statutes.

 

Jesus Christ our Lord stated this fact by saying “Therefore whoever confesses Me before men, him I will also confess before My Father who is in heaven. But whoever denies Me before men, him I will also deny before My Father who is in heaven” Matthew 10:32-33, Luke 12:8-9. For this reason, make it an habit to always confess Him and continue to do what pleases His heavenly Father, else you will not enter the kingdom of heaven according to the teaching of our Lord Jesus Christ which says “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven” Matthew 7:21. So, calling Jesus Christ Lord without doing the will of His Father shall make you to miss the kingdom of God.

 

You must be more faithful than the hypocrites: Jesus warned us concerning the kingdom of heaven by saying that “… unless your righteousness exceeds the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven” Matthew 5:20. You will be able to enter the kingdom of heaven only if you are move faithful than the teachers of the law and the Pharisees in doing what God requires. It is clear enough, do not be among the hypocrites if you want to enter the kingdom of God.

 

We need to be more faithful than the hypocrites if we want to inherit the kingdom of heaven since no hypocrite will enter the kingdom of God. Those who honor God with words and respect Him with their mouths while their hearts are far from Him are hypocrites. The worship of such people is farce because they always teach man-made ideas as commands from God. As it is written that “These people draw near to Me with their mouth, and honor Me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me. And in vain they worship Me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men” Matthew 15:8-9. Anyone who teaches men’s precepts as the doctrines of God is one of the hypocrites and such person will not enter the kingdom of heaven.

 

Anyone whose deeds will not let him/her return to God, is a hypocrite. The people that the evil which they have done keep them from turning to God, together with those that idolatry has a powerful hold on them, to the extent that they do not acknowledge the Lord are hypocrites according to the scripture which says “They do not direct their deeds toward turning to their God, for the spirit of harlotry is in their midst, and they do not know the Lord” Hosea 5:4. Make sure that your deeds together with your craving for the vanity of this world, do not prevent you from reconciling with your Creator. Nowadays, many hypocrites claim to know God, they deny Him by their actions and reactions. Such people are hateful and disobedient to the extent that they are not fit to do anything good, as it is written “They profess to know God, but in works they deny Him, being abominable, disobedient and disqualified for every good work” Titus 1:16. Is your lifestyle making the name of the Lord to be blasphemed or glorified? Are you among those who claim to know God but deny Him by the way they live? It is time to change and inherit the glorious kingdom. The Pharisees who are hypocrites are the typical example of such people. Unlike the Sadducees, they confess and believe in the resurrection of the dead, the angel and the spirit, but deny them in their actions and reactions. The Bible says “For the Sadducees say that there is no resurrection— and no angel or spirit; but the Pharisees confess both” Acts 23:8. The Pharisees denied their confession by working against the Holy Spirit that is performing wonders through Christ and antagonized the divine teachings of the Lord.

 

You must be born again: The Bible stated that, the response of Jesus Christ to the inquiry of Nicodemus was “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God” John 3:3. Unless you are born again, you can neither see nor enter the kingdom of God, says the Lord. Since it is impossible for anyone to see the kingdom of God unless he/she is born again, why not become a born-again person today so that you can enter the heavenly kingdom? To become born again, you need to be born of water and of the spirit, it is then that you can enter the kingdom of God. The scripture says “Jesus answered, ‘Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God’” John 3:5. Since you have confirmation from the response of Christ that except/unless humans are born of water and the Spirit, they cannot enter the kingdom of God. Are you now ready to be baptized by water? Are you ready to seek the spiritual gifts of the Holy Spirit? Will your lifestyle and deeds allow you to be baptized by fire and Spirit? Remember the warning of our Lord Jesus Christ which says “Do not marvel that I said to you ‘You must be born again’” John 3:7. Jesus Christ repeated this statement because it is inevitable for you to be born again if you want to inherit the kingdom of heaven.

 

Additional teachings by our Lord Jesus Christ concerning the kingdom of God:

 

·       Let the children come to Me, do not stop them! For the kingdom of heaven belongs to those who are like these children, says the Lord Matthew 19:14, Luke 18:16. You must know that unless you are converted by turning from your sins and become like little children, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven, says the Bible Matthew 18:3.

·       Jesus said, it will be very hard for rich people to enter the kingdom of heaven. In fact, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to inherit the kingdom of God. It will be much harder for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God that for a camel to go through the eye of a needle Matthew 19:23-24. Therefore, do not allow your riches or wealth to control your life, but let the kingdom of God be paramount in your heart.

·       Whoever disobeys or rejects the least important of the commandments and teaches others to do the same, will be least in the kingdom of heaven. But if you obey the law and teaches others to do the same, you will be great in the kingdom of God. For this reason, you must neither ignore the least commandment nor teach/encourage others to do the same, else you will be called the least in the kingdom of heaven Matthew 5:19. “Therefore, whoever humbles himself as a child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven” Matthew 18:4.

·       No one ever born on this earth is greater than John the Baptist. But whoever is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than John because he doubted about Jesus Christ. John is greater than anyone who has ever lived. But the one who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than John due to his lack of conviction about Christ Matthew 11:2-3, 11. Never allow your doubting spirit to make you the least in the kingdom of heaven.

·       The law of Moses and the messages of the prophets were in effect and guiding people up to the time of John the Baptist. But now, the Good News of the kingdom of God is preached and everyone is eager to get in Luke 16:16. Are you among those that are trying hard to get into the kingdom of God?

·       From the time John preached his message until this day, the kingdom of heaven has suffered violent attacks, and violent men trying to take control of it by force and seize it. Since the time that John the Baptist began preaching until now, the kingdom of heaven has been forcefully advancing, and violent people are attacking it Matthew 11:12.

·       Jesus Christ responded to the question of the Pharisees by saying that the kingdom of God cannot be detected by visible signs. It does not come in such a way as to be seen and it is not coming with signs that are easily noticed. But it is here with you and within you. Therefore, never forget that the kingdom of God is already among you Luke 17:20-21.

·       Many people will come from everywhere all over the world to enjoy the feast in the kingdom of heaven with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Many gentiles from east, west and throughout the world who neither disobey nor ignore the commandments of the Lord will sit down with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven Matthew 8:11. This means that there is hope for the unbelievers who sacrifice something for the sake of the kingdom of God.

·       There are different reasons why men cannot marry: some because they were born that way; others because men made them that way; and many do not marry for the sake of the kingdom of heaven Matthew 19:12. Are you among those who choose not to marry for the sake of the kingdom of heaven? Are you keeping your oath of celibacy? Is your lifestyle in accordance with the Law of Celibacy? If not change now before it is too late.

·       Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees. Hypocrites! For you shut the door of the kingdom of heaven in people’s faces. You won’t go in yourselves and you don’t let others enter either. What sorrow and trouble await you Pharisees and teachers of Law? You are nothing but show-offs and hypocrites. You lock people out of the kingdom of heaven. You neither enter nor allow those who wish to enter to do so Matthew 23:13. Are you one of the teachers who neither enter the kingdom of God nor permit others to enter?

·       Jesus said, a man had two sons, he told the first to go and work in the vineyard, the son replied that I will not go but he repented and went. The man told the second son to go and work and he replied that I will go, but he did not go. Which means if the unbelievers repent and do the will of God, they will enter the kingdom of God before the hypocrites who profess to know God but deny Him by their actions Matthew 21:28-31.

·       When you go for evangelism to preach the Good News of the kingdom of God, shake off the dust of your feet as testimony to any city/nation which refuses to receive you. It will be more tolerable in the Day of Judgment for Sodom than for such city/nation because the kingdom of God was preached to her and she ignored it Luke 10:8-12. For this reason, embrace the kingdom of God whenever it is preached in your area.

·       When you give a feast, do not invite only your friends, brothers, relatives and rich neighbors, lest they also invite you back which means you have been repaid. But invite the poor, the less privileged and the disable. You will be blessed because they cannot repay you, you shall be repaid in the kingdom of heaven at the resurrection of the just Luke 14:12-15. Are you giving alms to the poor? When was the last time that you assist a disable person?

·       Some people will not die before they see the kingdom of God arrive in great power. Several people will see the kingdom of God come with power before tasting death Mark 9:1, Luke 9:27. Will your deeds permit you to be among those who will not die until/before they see the kingdom of God?

 

The parables and comparables of the kingdom of God

 

There are several parables taught by our Lord Jesus Christ during His Ministerial work and it is the fulfilment of the prophecy concerning Him which says “I will open my mouth in parable; I will utter dark sayings of old” Psalm 78:2. Since Christ did not come to destroy the Law or the Prophets but to fulfill them Matthew 5:17. He fulfilled the aforementioned passage according to the Bible passages which says “All these things Jesus spoke to the multitude in parables; and without a parable He did not speak to them, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, …….’” Matthew 13:34-35.

 

The parable of the sower: The parable of the sower is the series of events that is taking place presently throughout the world. It is the explanation of what is currently happening to mankind.

 

Jesus taught the people many things in parables by saying: A man went out to sow grains/seeds. As he scattered them across his field, some seeds fell on the footpath, and the birds came and ate them. Other seeds fell on the shallow soil with underlying rock. The seeds sprouted quickly because the soil was shallow. But the plants soon wilted under the hot sun and since they did not have deep roots, they died. Other seeds fell among the thorns that grew up and chocked the plants. But others fell on fertile soil, and they produced a crop that was thirty, sixty and hundred times as much as what was sown Matthew 13:3-8.

·       Explanation of the parable: The seed that fell on the footpath are those who hear the message about the kingdom of God and do not understand it. Then the evil one comes and snatches away the seed that was planted in their hearts. The seed on the rocky soil are those who hear the message and immediately receive it with joy. But since they do not have deep roots, they do not last long, but endures for a while. They will stumble when tribulation or persecution arises because of believing God’s word. The seed that fell among the thorns are those who hear God’s word, but all too quickly, the message is crowded out by the worries of this life and the lure of wealth, so, no fruit is produced. The seed that fell on good soil are those who truly hear and understand God’s word, and produce a harvest of thirty, sixty and hundred times what was planted Matthew 13:18-23. What category of the seed do you belong to? You must change immediately if you do not belong to the seed that fell on the good soil.

 

The parable of the wheat and tares: This parable is about how good and evil will exist together until the end of age (Judgment Day). Jesus told another parable saying: “The kingdom of heaven is like a farmer who planted good seed in his field. But that night as the workers slept, his enemy came and planted tares among the wheat, then slipped away. When the crop began to grow and produce grain, the tares also grew. The farmer’s workers went to him and said, “Sir, did you not plant good seed in your field? How then does it have tares? He replied that ‘An enemy has done this.’ The workers asked ‘Should we pull out the tares?’ No, he replied, ‘you will uproot the wheat if you do. Let both grow together until the harvest. Then I will tell the harvesters to sort out the tares, tie them into bundles, and burn them, but put the wheat in my barn’” Matthew 13:24-30.

·       Explanation of the parable: The Son of Man is the farmer who plants the good seed. The field is the world, and the good seed represents the people of the kingdom of God. The tares are the people who belong to the wicked one. The enemy who planted the tares among the wheat is the devil. The harvest is the end of age, and the harvesters are the angels. At the end of age/world, the tares will be sorted out and burn in eternal fire while the righteous will shine like sun in their heavenly Father’s kingdom Matthew 13:36-43. Will your deeds permit you to be among those who will shine in the heavenly kingdom?

 

Parable of the dragnet/fish net: Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a fishing net that was thrown into the sea and caught creatures/fish of every kind. When the dragnet was full, they dragged it up to shore, sat down and sorted the good fish into vessels/crates but threw the bad ones away. That is the way it will be at the end of age/world. The angels will come and separate the wicked people from the righteous and they will throw the wicked into the fiery furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth Matthew 13:47-50. Pray fervently so that you will not be among those that will be thrown into fiery furnace.

 

The parable of the wicked vinedressers: A certain landowner planted a vineyard and built a wall around it, dug a winepress in it and a tower. He leased it to the vinedressers and travelled to a far country. When it is vintage-time, he sent his servants to the tenant farmers to collect his share of the crop. But the farmers assaulted his servants, they beat one, killed one and stoned another. So, the landowner sent a larger group of his servants but the results were the same. Finally, the owner sent his son, thinking, ‘Surely they will respect my son?’ When the farmers saw his son coming, they said to one another ‘Here comes the heir, let’s kill him and seize his inheritance.’ So they dragged him out of the vineyard and killed him. “Therefore, when the owner of the vineyard comes, what will he do to the vinedressers?” Matthew 21:33-40. “Therefore, I say to you, the kingdom of God will be taken from you and given to a nation bearing fruits of it” Matthew 21:43. Are your conducts similar to that of the vinedressers? You must repent and reconcile with Your Creator if you do not want the kingdom of God to be taken away from your household.

 

The parable of the talents: The kingdom of heaven can be illustrated by the story of a man going on a long trip. He called his servants and gave them talents according to their abilities, he gave five talents to one, two talents to another and one talent to the remaining servant; then he embarked on his journey. The servant who received five talents traded with them and earned five more, likewise the one who received two talents invested them and gained two more but the servant that received one talent dug the ground and hid the talent.

 

When the man returned from his trip, he called his servants to come and reconciled their accounts. The one who received five talents told their master that he made profit of five more, likewise the servant who was given two talents explained that he invested and earned two more. But the servant who received one talent insulted his master and gave the one talent back. Their master berated him and ordered that the talent be taken from him and given to the servant with ten talents. He also commanded to throw the unprofitable servant into outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth Matthew 25:14-30. How are you using your spiritual gifts? Are you underusing or misusing your gifts? This is a wake-up call if you do not want to be counted as unprofitable or cast into outer darkness.

 

The parable of the wise and foolish virgins: The kingdom of heaven is like ten virgins who took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were wise so they took extra oil in their vessels while the five foolish ones did not. When the bridegroom was delayed, they all slumbered and slept. At midnight there was shouting that the bridegroom is coming, then the virgins arose and prepared their lamps. The five foolish ones asked the others to give them some oil because their lamps are going out. The wise virgins replied saying ‘No lest there should not be enough for us and you; but go rather to those who sell and buy for yourselves.’ While they departed to buy oil, the bridegroom came. Those who are ready went in with him to the wedding feast, and the door was locked. Later the other five virgins returned, they stood outside calling ‘Lord! Lord! Open the door for us!’ But he replied that ‘I do not know you.’ “Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which Son of man is coming” Matthew 25:1-13. Are you ready for the coming/return of our Lord Jesus Christ? What is the level of your preparedness to inherit the kingdom of God? Are you wise enough to pray and watch?

 

The parable of the mustard seed: The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and sowed in his field. Although it is the smallest of all seeds, but when it grows it is the biggest, and it is larger than any garden plant. It becomes a tree, so that birds come and make their nests in its branches Matthew 13:31-32. Is the word dwelling richly in your life? Will you allow this word to grow so that others can benefit?

 

The parable of the leaven: The kingdom of heaven is like leaven which a woman took and hid in three measures of meal till it was all leavened Matthew 13:33. Are you ready for the Good News of the kingdom of heaven to transform you for better?

 

The parable of the hidden treasure: The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and hid; and for joy over it he goes and sells all that he has and buys the field Matthew 13:44. Are you prepare to find this priceless treasure called the kingdom of God? Are you ready to trade your worldly possessions for the kingdom of heaven? Is anything too precious to you that you cannot do away with it to gain the heavenly kingdom?

 

The parable of the great pearl: The kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking pearls. When he discovered a pearl of great value, he sold everything he owned and bought it Matthew 13:45-46. Since you have found the greatest pearly called the kingdom of God today, don’t you think it is time for you to sell whatever you have to inherit the kingdom of God? Don’t you think that the time has come for you to make the kingdom of God your priority and the most precious pearl?

 

The parable of the unforgiving servant: The kingdom of heaven is like a certain king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants. A servant was brought who owed him ten thousand talents but the king was moved with compassion, so he released him and forgave him the debt. This servant saw a fellow servant who owed him one hundred denarii, he assaulted and imprisoned him until he can pay the debt. Other servants who witnessed this event reported to the king. The king was angry, so he rescinded his earlier statement and sent the evil servant to prison to be tortured until he had paid his entire debt Matthew 18:21-34. “So, My heavenly Father also will do to you if each of you, from his heart, does not forgive his brother his trespasses” Matthew 18:35. Don’t you think that you must forgive those who offended you? Are you ready to forgive others so that you can be forgiven? Do you realize that if you don’t forgive those who wronged you, you will miss the kingdom of God? It is time ‘turn a new leaf’ today.

 

The parable of vineyard workers: The kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out early in the morning to hire workers for his vineyard. He agreed with the workers to pay daily wage of one denarii, them he sent them into his vineyard. He went out about the third hour, sixth hour, ninth hour and eleventh hour to hire more workers which he sent to work in his vineyard. In the evening the owner instructed his foreman to call the workers in and pay them, beginning with the last workers first. The workers hired about eleventh hour received one denarii each. When those hired first came to get their pay, the assumed they would receive more. But they too were paid one denarii each. Then they protested to the owner saying ‘Those people worked only one hour, and yet you’ve paid them just as much as you paid us who worked all day in the scorching heat.’ The owner answered one of them and said ‘Friend, I haven’t been unfair! But paid you as per our agreement; take your money and go.’ “Is it not lawful for me to do what I wish with my own things? Or is your eye evil because I am good? So, the last will be the first, and the first last. For many are called, but few chosen” Matthew 20:1-16. Admittance into the kingdom of God is the same reward that will be given to all believers immaterial of the time you accepted the Christianity faith and work in the vineyard of the Lord.

 

The parable of the fig tree: Notice the fig tree, or any other tree. When the leaves come out, you know without being told that summer is near Luke 21:29-31. In the same way when you see those things mentioned in Luke 21:7-17 taking place, you must realize that the kingdom of God is near.  Since you know that the kingdom of God is at hand, are you prepare?

 

Eternal life is a necessity

 

Every soul who desire to inherit the kingdom of heaven must have eternal life because without eternal life you cannot live forever in the kingdom of God. There is no way that we will discuss the kingdom of heaven without mentioning eternal life, since it is what is needed to exist perpetually in the kingdom of God.

 

Eternal life belongs to God: God alone can give you eternal life because it belongs to Him and without eternal life, it is impossible for anyone to enter the kingdom of heaven, since it is needed to survive or endure in the kingdom of heaven. God alone is capable and abundantly able to give you eternal live since it belongs to Him. We must know that what you can earn from sin is death, but eternal life is what you can receive as a free gift from God through Jesus Christ our Lord as it is written “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” Romans 6:23. Therefore, those who believe in Jesus Christ and accept Him as their Savior know in their hearts that this testimony is true. Those who do not believe this are actually calling God a liar because they do not believe what God has testified about His Son. And this is what God has testified; He has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. So, whoever has the Son has this life, whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life 1 John 5:10-12. The way to have eternal life is to have Jesus Christ in your life by eating His flesh and drinking His blood through Holy Communion. It is then that you will have eternal life and Christ will raise you up on the last day according to the scripture which says “Whoever eats My flesh and drinks My blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day” John 6:54. Your participation in Holy Communion with good conscience before God is an assurance to have eternal life and enter the kingdom of God. For this reason, when the disciples of Christ turn away and deserted Him because they cannot comprehend His words. He asked the twelve that “Do you also want to go away?” But Peter responded saying: “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life” John 6:66-68. It can be deduced from the confession of Simon Peter that we can only gain eternal life through Jesus Christ.

 

The Bible stated that Jesus said “Father, the hour has come. Glorify Your Son, that Your Son also may glorify You, as You have given Him authority over all flesh, that He should give eternal life to as many as You have given Him” John 17:1-2. Since Christ has been granted power over all people, He will give eternal life to His loyal disciples. Therefore, this is the way to have eternal life: to know and become acquainted with you, the only true, Supreme and Sovereign God; and likewise to know Jesus as the Christ, the anointed and the Messiah whom You have sent to the world John 17:3. If you recognize and obey Jesus Christ, you will be given eternal life, you will not perish with the world and no one can snatch you away from Him John 10:27-28. Since it is indisputable from the aforementioned passages that eternal life belong to God, are you ready to please Him so that you will be granted life?

 

The promise of God concerning eternal life: Though eternal life belongs to God, He has resolved since the beginning of age to grant it to humans, due to the grace that we received through His Son Christ Jesus. It is for this reason that He promised from the period of the foundation of the earth, to give eternal life to the people who are worthy so that they will live forever in His heavenly kingdom and worship in His presence at His immortal throne. Therefore, let the Good News of the kingdom of God that you have heard abide in you because if what you hear abides in you, you also will abide in the Son and in the Father, then what Christ Himself promised to give us —eternal life will be granted 1 John 2:24-25. What efforts are you making so that this promise will be fulfilled in your life?

 

Are you so selfish that you forget to lead and encourage others to recognize and pursue the knowledge of the truth which leads to godliness? When was the last time that you stimulated and promoted the faith of God’s chosen ones? What efforts are you making to lead them on to accurate discernment and acquaintance with the Truth which belongs to and harmonizes with godliness? What methods are you using to teach your congregation to know the Truth that shows them how to live godly lives? How are you helping the faith of believers so that the promised eternal life will come to pass in their lives? What efforts are you making so that the aged promise of eternal life will manifest in other people’s lives? What steps are you taking so that the eternal life promised by God who is without deceit will be fulfilled not only in your life but the lives of others? Titus 1:1-2. Remember that believers’ faith is based on the hope of guaranteed eternal life by God, so, do whatever that is necessary to keep their hope alive.

 

The love of God: The divine love of God for the prime work of His hand prompted Him to give us eternal life. The undying love which God has for mankind is what gives us the grace to have eternal life. The Bible attested to this fact by saying that God loved the people of this world so much that He gave His only Son, so that everyone who has faith in Him will not perish with the world but have eternal life and live forever John 3:16. Do not forget, it is anyone who believes and cleaves to Christ together with those who trust and rely on Him that will have eternal life John 3:15. Therefore, wake up from your spiritual slumbering; the fields are ripe and ready to harvest. The harvesters are paid good wages, and the fruit they harvest is people brought to eternal life. What joy awaits both the planter and the harvester alike in the kingdom of God John 4:35-36. Are you a good sower? How are you reciprocating the divine love of God that granted you eternal life and sustain you till this moment? What steps are you taking presently to gather people for eternal life and the kingdom of God?

 

Precondition to have eternal life: There are certain conditions that must be satisfied before anyone can be granted eternal life. The story of a young ruler who approached Jesus is a good example. He asked Him saying “Good teacher what shall I do to inherit eternal life? Jesus replied that “Why do you call Me good? No one is good but One, that is God.” Furthermore, He advised the young ruler to keep the commandments of God. The ruler responded that “All these things I have kept from my youth.” So, when Jesus heard his response, He said to him “You still lack one thing. Sell all that you have and distribute to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come follow Me.” Luke 18:18-22, Matthew 19:16-21. The conclusion of these passages is that keeping the commandments of God alone cannot give you eternal life, but adding giving alms to the poor and contributing your quota by working in whatever capacity in the vineyard of the Lord (working for the progress of the Good News) will qualify and give you the assurance of eternal life.

 

Another conditionality to receive eternal life was stated in the story of the Good Samaritan. A certain lawyer tested Christ by saying “Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” Jesus answered, “What is written in the scriptures? How do you understand them?” So, he explained that love God with all your heart, soul and strength, and love your neighbor as yourself. Jesus told him that he answered correctly. But he wanted to justify himself, so he asked Jesus “And who is my neighbor?” Then Jesus responded and said, a certain man was traveling from Jerusalem to Jericho when robbers attacked him, beat him up, took his valuables and left him injured. A priest and a Levites passed by the scene of the incident but they did not help, the injured man. Then, when a Samaritan came to the scene, he had compassion, bandaged his wounds and took him to the hospital. He gave them deposit with a promise to pay the balance of the bill. So, who is the neighbor of the man that was robbed? The lawyer said “He was showed mercy on him.” Then Jesus told him “Go and do likewise” Luke 10:26-37. Do not be like the priest or the Levite. If you keep the commandments of God, you still need to be merciful to others in order to inherit eternal life.

 

Searching the scripture: The Bible stated that “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves” James 1:22. Therefore, it is time to start obeying the law which will make us right in the sight of God rather than listening to the law alone. As it is written “For not the hearers of the law are just in the sight of God, but the doers of the law will be justified” Romans 2:13. For this reason those who read the Holy Bible regularly, without practicing what was read are only deceiving themselves because they cannot inherit eternal life. Likewise, those who constantly attend Church services/activities, unless they observe and perform what they were taught, they cannot receive eternal life.

Jesus Christ sounded this warning by saying “You search the scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life; and these are they which testify of Me” John 5:39. Are you among those who read the Bible like literature or newspaper? Do you think memorizing the Bible passages alone without believing and carrying out the instructions of God contained in it will give you eternal life? Since the scripture testified or spoke about Christ unless you keep His commandment and continue to do what pleases Him, you cannot inherit eternal life.

 

The joint statement of Paul and Barnabas confirmed this fact, saying, “It was necessary that the word of God should be spoken to you first; but since you reject it and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, behold we turn to the Gentiles” Acts 13:46. When the Gentiles heard this, they were glad and thanked the Lord for His message, and all who were chosen for eternal life became believers. The message of the kingdom of God preached made the Gentiles to rejoice and they praised what they had heard about the Lord. Everyone who had been appointed or destined for eternal life, then put their faith in the Lord and relied on Christ Acts 13:48. For this reason, God will reward each one of us for what we have done, He will give eternal life to everyone who has patiently done what is good in the hope of receiving glory, honor, and life that lasts forever. Never forget that God will judge everyone according to what they have done, by giving eternal life to those who keep on doing good, seeking after the glory and honor and immortality that God offers Romans 2:6-7. Do you belong to the category of those who persistently do good? Base on your truthful assessment, will you be judged or rewarded?

 

Strive to take hold of eternal life: You must make great efforts to claim eternal life, without which one cannot enter the kingdom of God. Everyone who believe in the name of Jesus Christ without wavering already have eternal life. Such people must continue to believe in and rely on this precious name, else it will be retrieved from them 1 John 5:13. So, run your best in the race of faith and win eternal life for yourself, for it was to this life that God called you when your firmly professed your faith before many witnesses according to the scripture which says “ Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, to which you were also called and have confessed the good confession in the presence of many witnesses” 1 Timothy 6:12. Do not forget your declaration before the saints, so strive to hold on tightly to eternal life. For this reason, it is our duty to warn the rich people of this world not to be proud or trust in uncertain and unreliable wealth but to have faith and put their hope in God, who is rich and blesses us with everything we need to survive. We must tell them to use their money/wealth to do good and for a just cause. They should be rich in good works and generous to those in need, and always ready to share. By doing this they will be storing up their treasure in the heavenly kingdom as a good foundation for the coming age (future); so that they will win and experience eternal life 1 Timothy 6:17-19.

 

Lay your treasures in heaven

 

It is important that you lay your treasures in heaven in order to have easy access to the kingdom of God. First, we must realize that whatever that we have comes from the Lord, so giving back part of what we have should not become a problem. As it is written that, every good gift and every perfect present is from above; it comes down from the Father of lights, the Creator and the Sustainer of heavens; in whom there is no variation because He is perfect and never changes James 1:17.

 

Since you know that all your earthly possessions and skills are from God, why not give part of it back? Why not use your skills for the propagation of the Gospel? Remember the Bible passages which says “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal, for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” Matthew 6:19-21. From the passage, we can deduce that if you lay your treasures in heaven, then you will be focused on the heavenly kingdom. So why not start laying your treasures in heaven as from this moment? The Book of Luke also corroborated this fact by saying “Sell what you have and give alms; provide yourselves money bags which do not grow old, a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches nor moth destroys. For where you treasure is, there your heart will be also” Luke 12:33-34. Henceforth, start giving alms to the poor so that your passage to the kingdom of God will be easy.

 

Learn from what happened to the rich fool who amassed wealth without laying any treasure in heaven. This is what will happen to those who store up earth wealth but they are neither rich towards God nor have a rich relationship with Him Luke 12:13-21. Therefore, do not be poor in the sight of God, but be rich in His sight by laying your treasures in heaven through giving alms to the poor and doing the work of God.

 

The conducts that can hinder your admittance to the heavenly kingdom

 

There are many things that can make people to miss the kingdom of God, and some of them shall be discussed in details.

 

·       You must never love your life in this world, else you will lose it and you will be deprived of the heavenly kingdom. But if you hate your life and care less about it because of the work of God, then you will keep it for eternity John 12:25. Therefore, do not love your life, but give it up or put it at risk for the progress of the work of God so that you will inherit the kingdom of God.

·       You must not hate anybody because if you hate anyone, you are a murderer, and no murderer will neither have eternal life nor enter the kingdom of God 1 John 3:15. So, do not forget the commandment that says “love your neighbor like yourself.”

·       You must not follow the desires of your sinful nature, such as adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries and anything similar because anyone living that sort of life will not inherit the kingdom of God says the Bible Galatians 5:19-21.

·       The scripture says “Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God 1 Corinthians 6:9-10. You must abstain from the aforementioned conducts and do what pleases the Lord before you can inherit/enter the kingdom God. The Book of Ephesians attested to this fact by saying “For this you know, that no fornicator, unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God.” Ephesians 5:5. Henceforth, depart from every corrupt behavior and sinful practices that can hinder your admittance into the kingdom of heaven. For this reason, we urge you to live the life of honor, moral courage and personal integrity that is worth of the God who saves you and calls you into His own kingdom and glory 1 Thessalonians 2:12. If you intend to inherit the kingdom of God, then you must live in a way that will please and honor God.

 

Other strategies of Satan

 

Apart from the previously mentioned conducts, Lucifer has other strategies that he is using to wage war against the beloved. The decision of the Devil is to use the love of money, vanity, pleasures of this world, lust for power and fame to make people to miss the kingdom of God. Now that you are aware of his game plan, beware so that you will not lose the kingdom of God.

 

Vanity of this world: We need to realize that “We brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out” 1 Timothy 6:7. Therefore, let us pursue the things of this world moderately and devote all our efforts towards working for God so that Satan will not use the vanity to obstruct our admittance into the kingdom of God.

 

If you observe everything going on under the sun, all the activities of humans are meaningless except those that pleases the Lord. Everything done in this world are useless and senseless. In fact, it is like chasing the wind, excluding the propagation of the Gospel Ecclesiastes 1:14. Why then must you bother yourself about meaningless and senseless things rather than heavenly things? Do not forget that nothing on earth is worth the trouble because whatever you accomplished and everything that you worked so hard to achieve are pointless. Then you will realize that you gain nothing from any of your achievements under the sun Ecclesiastes 2:11. For this reason, make sure that Satan does not use the vanity to deceive you, and abstain from the people whose conduct shows that they are enemies of the Cross of Christ. Those that are doomed and destined for hell, those who worship their stomachs and their god is their bodily desires, those who brag about the disgusting things they do and are proud of what they should be ashamed of, those people that all they can think about are the things of this world and they think only about this life here on earth Philippians 3:18-19. Therefore, beware so that Lucifer will not use vanity to destroy your chance of inheriting the kingdom of God because “Vanity of vanities,” says the preacher, “All is vanity” Ecclesiastes 12:8.

 

Pleasures of this world: One of the most common strategy of Lucifer is to use the pleasures of this world to shut the path to the kingdom of God. People who think they are having a good  time or enjoying themselves lack knowledge, because it is meaningless and it is vanity Ecclesiastes 2:1. You need to know that people who give themselves to pleasure are spiritually dead while they live 1 Timothy 5:6. Therefore, do not be among the seed that fell among the thorns which produced no fruit, because of their eagerness for riches and pleasure of this life Luke 8:14. Since we are at the last days, beware so that you will not be counted as one of the lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God 2 Timothy 3:3. Make sure that Satan does not take advantage of you through the pleasures of this world.

 

Love of money: The Bible says “A feast is made for laughter, and wine makes merry; but money answers everything” Ecclesiastes 10:19. Lucifer is using this particular passage to mislead countless people by making them to love money. Let us clarify this issue, money can buy every physical thing, but it cannot purchase the spiritual things (gifts of the Holy Spirit). Money can give you satisfaction but it cannot give you joy because joy is divine. You must love the Lord Your God and not money. You only need money to sustain you only in this life, so do not allow the love of money to rule or ruin your life. Many people in the world today have mortgaged their souls to the devil because of money while the darkness has put numerous people in eternal bondage because of money. Never forget that we are in the last days. Beware, so that you will not be counted as one of those described by the Bibles as lovers of money 2 Timothy 3:1-2. Be alert, so that Satan will not use the love of money to collect your glorious garment.

 

It is written that “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows” 1 Timothy 6:10. Do not love money and suppress your craving for money so that you will not end your life like Judas. Learn from the irreversible mistake of Judas who suggested that they should sell the alabaster oil that a woman poured on Christ, to feed the poor. He said this not because he cared for the poor but because he was a thief, who usually steal from the money kept in his care John 12:4-6. The covetousness of Judas led him to make a deal with the high priests to betray Christ Mark 14:10-11; Luke 22:3-5. He eventually betrayed Jesus Christ, and after the damage has been done, he returned the money, but it was too late. He lost his boarding pass to the kingdom of heaven and his name was erased forever from the Book of Life Matthew 27:3-4. For this reason, emulate Jesus Christ who endured the temptation of the devil despite His situation, and He was glorified Matthew 4:1-10. You must make efforts to overcome the deception of the devil so that you will inherit the kingdom of God.

 

Lust for fame: Nowadays, people are thirsty for fame, and Lucifer knew this fact, so he is using the people’s lust for fame to cause their downfall in the presence of God, thereby, blocking their access to the kingdom of God. Many people that are famous today in the world are not known by the heavens because they failed to lay their treasures in heaven. Some of them that are laying their treasures in heaven have become unworthy because they refused to do what pleases the Lord. Which means, being famous on earth does not mean you will enter the kingdom of heaven.

 

Stop your lust for fame because only God can make you to be famous. The scripture testified to this fact by saying “So the Lord was with Joshua and his fame spread throughout all the country” Joshua 6:27. Do not allow Satan to used your craving for fame to commit abominable things which can make your admittance to the Glorious Home to be difficult. Do not fear so that Satan will not use your lust for fame against you, but put your hope in the Lord and His promises will come to pass in your life. The promises were “Behold, at that time I will deal with all who afflict you; I will save the lame, and gather those who were driven out; I will appoint them for praise and fame in every land where they were put to shame” Zephaniah 3:19.

 

The lust for power: Today, the lust for power is making countless people to either setup or assassinate, imprison or terrorize their opponents in their organizations or political arenas. They have forgotten that getting install in a post/position belongs to God. Only God can appoint anyone to successfully seat/fill a post/position, and it is not by might or power or schemes or wisdom of humans. As it is written “Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,” says the Lord of hosts Zechariah 4:6. Therefore, admit that God alone can make you to occupy the post/position that you desire because “…..power belongs to God” Psalm 62:11. It is for this reason that Christ made this statement “…..For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen” Matthew 6:13. So, do not permit the devil to use your lust for power to make you to miss the kingdom of God.

 

You must realize that only God has the power to install any one in a position or overthrow the regimes of those who failed to do His will according to the scripture which says “…. For God has power to help and to overthrow” 2 Chronicles 25:8. For this reason, be among those who overcome the temptation of Satan and keep the work of the Lord till the end, so that Christ will give you power over the nations Revelation 2:26. Be warned, do not succumb to the vices of the devil.

 

Consequences

 

There are several consequences that people who refused to seek first the kingdom of God while they are still alive will suffer for their conducts. We shall analyze in details the outcomes of failure to seek the kingdom of heaven. For those who ignore the kingdom of God, the following are prices that they will pay for their actions:

·       The judgment of God shall come upon them and they will be judged guilty. They will be condemned, for Jesus Christ the light came into this world and they neither harken to His voice nor heed His instructions to seek first the kingdom of God John 3:19.

·       God will redeem those who serve Him alone and they will not be condemned while those who failed to keep His commandment to seek first the kingdom of God will not be redeemed, but they will be condemned Psalm 34:22.

·       The people who have done good (by seeking the kingdom of God) will resurrect to experience eternal life while the evil doers will resurrect to damnation (condemnation to eternal punishment in hell) John 5:29.

·       Those who ignored the kingdom of God, how can they escape being condemned to hell? How can they escape the damnation of hell? How can they escape the judgment of hell? Matthew 23:33.

·       Heed the warning by seeking first the kingdom of God, and you must neither call other fools nor curse them, else you will be in danger of hell fire Matthew 5:22. If you don’t want to risk going to hell, do what is right and acceptable to God.

·       Death and hell are the destinies of those who reject the kingdom of God together with all the nations who ignore God Psalm 9:17.

·       The names of those who forsake the kingdom of God will not be found written in the Book of Life, and they will be thrown into the lake of fire Revelation 20:11-15. Also, they will not have access to New Jerusalem the paradise of God and they will never live there Revelation 21:27.

·       The people who are dirty-minded and those that are unfaithful to God will be thrown into the lake of fire and burning sulfur where they will die again which can be referred to as the second death Revelation 21:8.

·       The perverts and the immoral people together with the liars and deceivers who failed to seek the kingdom of God will neither enter nor live in New Jerusalem the City of our God Revelation 22:15. If you have the desire to enter and live eternally in New Jerusalem, then start seeking the kingdom of God before it is too late.

 

The benefits of seeking the kingdom of God

 

There are countless benefits that will accrue to those who seek the kingdom of God and some of them are the following:

·       They will be given treasures stored in the darkness and hidden riches of secret places to sustain them in this world Isaiah 45:3.

·       They will be called priests/people of the Lord and they will feed on the treasures of the nations, the glory that once belong to their captors shall be theirs and they will be famous in the land of the living Isaiah 61:6.

·       They will be avenged on their adversaries and God will judge and punish their oppressors Revelation 19:1-2.

·       Whenever they sleep in the Lord, they will be blessed and they will be given rest from their labor or hard work, and they will be rewarded for what they have done during their lifetime Revelation 14:13.

·       They will have the knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of heaven and understand the mysteries of the kingdom of God Matthew 13:11.

·       They will have victory over the beast, over his image and the number representing his name. They will hold the harps that God will give them, and sing, and rejoice before God Revelation 15:2-3.

·       Jesus Christ will give them keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever they bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever they loose on earth will be loosed in heaven Matthew 16:19.

·       They will neither be condemned nor punished Romans 8:1.

·       They will neither be hurt nor harmed by the second death Revelation 2:11.

·       They will participate in the first resurrection and second death which is eternal separation from God (or the lake of fire) will have no power/authority over them. Instead, they will reign with Christ for a thousand years Revelation 20:6.

·       Christ will give them the same power that His Father gave Him. Jesus will give them the same authority that He received from His Father. He will give them power and authority over the nations, to rule them with an iron rod and to break them to pieces like clay pots. He will also give them the morning star Revelation 2:26-28.

·       They belong to the kingdom of heaven and the kingdom of heaven belongs to them Matthew 5:3, 5:10. The kingdom of heaven is theirs now and forever.

·       They will forget their past miseries. God will pacify them and wipe away their tears. There will be no more death, and there will be no more anguish or sorrow or grief or pain because the former order of things has passed away and all these things are gone forever Revelation 21:4.

·       They will be clothed/dressed in white robes. They will stand before the throne of God and worship Him, day and night in His temple. He who sits on the throne will spread His tabernacle over them. He will shelter and protect them with His presence. They will never again be hungry or thirsty, and they will never be scorched by the sun or any heat. Jesus Christ, who is the Lamb at the throne will shepherd them. He will lead and guide them to the springs/fountains of life-giving water. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes Revelation 7:13-17.

·       They will be rich in faith; they will be heirs to the kingdom of God and inherit His heavenly kingdom which God promised those who loved Him James 2:5.

·       They will inherit heavenly things and blessings. The Alpha and the Omega, Almighty Father will be their God and they will be His children Revelation 21:7.

·       They are blessed because they will be invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb Revelation 19:9.

·       They will have the right to the tree of life so that they can eat its fruit and access through the gates into New Jerusalem the City of our God Revelation 22:14.

·       They will eat from the fruit of the tree of life and drink from the water of life. They will be healed and there will be no more curse. They will have the opportunity to see the face of God and Jesus Christ His Son, and God will put His name on their foreheads. There will be no more night and they will not need lamps or sunlight, because God will shine on them and give them light, and they will rule as kings forever and ever Revelation 22:1-5.

·       They will be given the right to eat from the tree of life which is in the midst of the Paradise of God Revelation 2:7.

·       They will dwell in New Jerusalem, the city that has no need of the sun or the moon to shine on it, because the glory of God illuminates it, and Jesus Christ the Lamb is its light. They will walk in its light and the kings of the world that are worthy will bring into it their glory. The gates of the city will stand open all day, they will never be closed because there will be no night there Revelation 21:22-25.

·       They will have the right to drink from the spring of the water of life without paying for it. Alpha and Omega will freely give them water from the life-giving fountain to quench their thirst Revelation 21:6.

·       They will be given some of the hidden manna to eat. A white stone will be given to each of them, and on the stone will be engraved a new name that no one understands except the person/one who receives it Revelation 2:17.

·       They will have God’s name written on their foreheads and they will sing a new song before the heavenly throne of God. They are the first fruits of God and they will follow the Lamb wherever He goes Revelation 14:1-4.

·       They will be clothed in white garments and their names will not be erased from the Book of Life, but Jesus Christ will confess their names before His Father and His angels Revelation 3:5.

·       They will become pillars in the Temple of our God. Never again will they leave it and they will go out of the Temple no more. Christ will write on them, the name of His God and the name of the City of His God, the New Jerusalem, which is coming down out of heaven from His God. And He will write on them His new name Revelation 3:12.

·       Christ will grant them the right to sit with Him on His throne, just as He overcame (was victorious) and sat with His Father on His throne Revelation 3:21.

·       They will come to life again (resurrect) and reign/rule as kings with Christ for a thousand years. They will participate in the first resurrection during which the rest of the dead will not live or come to life until the thousand years has come to an end Revelation 20:4-5.

 

Since you have learnt the pros and cons of seeking the kingdom of God, then it is inevitable for you to work hard to prove that you are among those that God has called and chosen, if you do these things, you will never fall away. It is your duty to put all efforts to show that God has really chosen and selected you, if you keep on doing this, you will neither stumble nor fall, but you will be given the right to enter the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Christ will give you a grand entrance and glorious welcome into His kingdom that will last forever 2 Peter 1:10-11. Never forget that if you give diligence to make your calling and choice a permanent experience, you will never abandon your faith, then the Lord will rescue you from every evil attack and bring you safely into His heavenly kingdom. As it is written “And the Lord will deliver me from every evil work and preserve me for His heavenly kingdom. To Him be glory forever and ever. Amen” 2 Timothy 4:18. For the Lord to keep you from being harmed in this world and safely bring you into His heavenly kingdom, you must diligently seek His kingdom.

 

Finally, the scripture stated that Jesus Christ will judge the nations of the world at the end of age. He will sit on the throne of His glory with the nations assembled before Him. He will separate the sheep from the goats, the sheep will be on His right hand, while the goats will be on the left hand. He will bless the sheep on His right hand by saying “Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world” because they catered for His needs indirectly.

 

Then He will say to those on His left hand “Depart from Me, you cursed, into the everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels” because they failed to indirectly provide for His needs. And those on the left hand will go away into everlasting punishment, but the righteous into eternal life Matthew 25:31-46. On the last day, will you be among the blessed or the cursed? Will your deeds allow you to have eternal life? Change now by seeking the kingdom of God before it is too late.

 

The Seal: Matthew 6:33: But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.